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Friday, October 28, 2011

Financial shell games continue at county commissioners court



Unfortunately, this was just another week of the status quo at the Hays County Commissioners Court. We are seeing some distinct patterns play out over and over, and they are costing us more than just tax dollars

Note: We're not sure what the percentage would be in a survey asking citizens what their level of trust and confidence is in their county government, but it probably wouldn't be much higher than the 9% people have in their federal government these days. Commissioners continue to show taxpayers and voters that they are still good at doing at least one thing, and that's whatever pleases them at any given moment without regard to prior stated commitments or fiscal accountability.

Send your comments and news tips to roundup.editor@gmail.com, to Sam at sam_brannon@hotmail.com, to County Judge Bert Cobb
(the county's chief fiscal officer) at bert.cobb@co.hays.tx.us, or click on the "comments" at the bottom of the story

By Sam Brannon
Guest Commentary

At its regular meeting Tuesday Oct. 25 the Hays County Commissioners Court voiced a substantial change in policy regarding the disposition of county buildings that will be vacated as part of the move to the new Government Center on Wonder World Drive.

Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe reminded the court that taxpayers had been assured that the proceeds from the sale of these properties would be used to pay down the $70 million debt associated with the new building, and yet she joined Commissioner Will Conley and Judge Cobb in their obvious support for alternative outcomes. Commissioner Mark Jones sat mostly silent.

No longer are they interested in top dollar and a timely sale which is part of their fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers. Now the court is on the record with their concerns about who buys the property and to what use it will be put. This is very disconcerting behavior.

Among the various reasons they stated for their concern was the possibility that a grandfather might buy a building for his young grandchild, and it might sit vacant for a generation. Another of the reasons offered was that a buyer may open a strip club on the square, as if the City of San Marcos had not yet considered downtown zoning. These nonsensical explanations only add insult to the injury of irresponsible financial policies.

The only rationale with any plausible credibility was the economic impact to businesses on the square. It was discussed that the City of San Marcos may decide to rent the buildings, and that the employees who office there will economically back-fill the county employees moving south to Wonder World. Perhaps, but their new found concern for small business people is shaky at best. I don’t like the decision to move the Government Center to the southestern-most part of the county because it hurt a lot of people and makes government less accessible, but this isn’t the answer.

This policy change is the equivalent of taking on millions more in debt without voter approval.

What is NOT in the Budget

Back in September I noticed that the proposed Precinct 2 building was not included in the 2012 budget in spite of it being clearly a priority to this Commissioners Court. Several weeks ago I asked Lon Shell, Judge Cobb’s Chief of Staff, why it was omitted. Lon explained it was because they didn’t have a funding source, though he confirmed they were planning to proceed with construction. When I asked where the funding would come from he said it would most likely be from the sale of the soon-to-be vacant county buildings.

I’m not sure which buildings will sell to pay for the new Pct. 2 building, and which will be held and rented out or sold to an "acceptable" buyer. But it's pretty clear that our elected officials are not interested in paying down the debt as was assured by the previous court, which also included Will Conley and Debbie Ingalsbe.

Commissioners Court Approves New Admin IV Position


Also this past Tuesday, District Attorney Sherri Tibbe and Assistant District Attorney Mark Kennedy made their case to create a new, elevated level of Administrative Assistant IV that would allow the D.A.’s office to promote and increase the pay of a particular staffer. There was only token resistance to this request before taking a vote of 4-0 (Commissioner Whisenant was out).

You may recall that for most of this year, all new hires and promotions had to come before the court for special approval. Since all requests that I’m aware of were approved during this time, the intent was clearly to give the impression of fiscal responsibility without actually having to act responsibly. Now inside of 30 days into the new fiscal year they’re creating a new salary level, one that other departments will surely find an urgent use for soon enough.

Unfortunately, this was just another week of the status quo at the Hays County Commissioners Court. We are seeing some distinct patterns play out over and over, and they are costing us more than just tax dollars.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sam, It seems more and more like you are setting yourself up to run for a County Office.Can you confirm or deny that suggestion?

If that is your intention I wish you would be man enough to admit it rather than later on engage in some "drama queen" type of announcement that you are coming to the rescue of the down trodden citizens.

I like you, Sam and would probably support and vote for you but I'd like for you to be more transparent about your intentions.

Anonymous said...

Hey Anonymous #1,

You childishly attack the messenger in an effort to divert attention away from the message. Did you happen to consider your own hypocrisy when promoting a "macho" confrontation demanding someone else to "man up" while you hide under the cloak of anonymity?

The article was not directed towards political aspirations of Brannon. However, to address your post, If Brannon is going to run - I hope he runs for County Commissioner and I hope he lives in Conley's district.

The last Blue Dog said...

New government buildings and that much more into debt for us tax payers. Thanks a bunch commissioners! Please tell me, who benefits from these buildings other than county officials and employees? I can't remember the last time I visited a county building other than the courthouse. I can do all the essential things online.

In my book, commissioners and the judge operate under four basic premises--go along to get along, always take care of the developers and the special interests first, spend freely because most voters aren't watching, and last but not least, lie through your teeth and keep as many voters unawares.

This is not a cynic's view. It is what it is. I score this court an F in confidence and trust.

Anonymous said...

Good article, keep them coming.

If Sam were to run it would have to be as an Independent. I heard both and Hays County D's and R's organizations have already selected their candidates they will financally support for next years election. Neither political party machine will support him and he would lack funds because of that. It would be nice though to have a third person running. It would make for an interesting election.

Anonymous said...

Is it true Sam Brannon announced his candidacy for Commissioner Precinct 3?

Anonymous said...

If Sam Brannon IS running, is he running as a Democrat, Republican, or other?

Anonymous said...

He announced at a Republican get together last night and then went around looking for funding from the attendees. He has been trying to get funding for some time now. His chances of getting funding from the Republicans looks grim.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Brannon wasn't seeking funding, he was having his ballot petition signed, and introducing himself to attendees. I was happy to meet the man behind the articles.

Fool me once said...

If Brannon is running against Conley, good on Brannon. Conley has served his 2 terms, during which our county debt has more than quadrupled. Conley is no fiscal conservative. It's time for him to get off the public dole.

If anyone does challenge Conley, to get my vote they must swear on a stack of bibles they will not play the usual games while in office. I want my vote to matter. I am tired of wasting my vote on prima donna politicians.

Objectivist said...

Anonymous Fool me once said...
"If Brannon is running against Conley, good on Brannon. Conley has served his 2 terms, during which our county debt has more than quadrupled..."

It seems like another case of FFC - Fake Fiscal Conservative. They're thick as cedar pollen in December around these parts. Voters have to remember who did what, versus who said what. I'm fed up with the elected officials who run on being fiscally conservative and then they forget what it means. Voters need to remind them. Go Sam!!!

Curious said...

I was at the Wimberley Valley Republican Group last night, and heard Conley's unusual after the meeting comments, but I wasn't listening closely enough.

It sounded like he said he had balanced the budget for 7 years?

Anonymous said...

It is wise to remember that unlike the Democrats, the Republicans don't throw their successful candidates under the bus. It is really going to be a race between the Republicans anyway because no one wants to run as a Democrat with Obama on the ballot.

Rocky Boschert said...

Anonymous above says:

"It is wise to remember that unlike the Democrats, the Republicans don't throw their successful candidates under the bus."

I think this Anonymous cannot comprehend that Democrats at least have the integrity and insight to toss out the phony Democrats who say one thing and act the opposite. If that is throwing them under the bus, then that is a good thing.

Republicans, on the other hand, appear to be politically gullible types who hear the words "I believe in small government" and then vote for RINO's like Jason Isaac who proceed to use big government repression laws to force women to undergo invasive anti-family choice mandatory sonograms. Hardly a conservative value.

With hypocrites like Jason Isaac, the mindless Republicans should be more like Democrats who decide to throw their betraying politicians "under the bus".

Until both Democrats and Republicans do that, we will all continue to be victims of political corruption and betrayal.

Being a mindless Republican voter is not a virtue. It has become a bigger and bigger liability.

Anonymous said...

I know Sam and he is a decent American with great ideas. I am afraid though he has chosen a path that will not serve his candidacy well; picking a fight with the leaders of the party that he wishes to woo for funds and the nomination. In politics, it has less to do with being right than being smart. Politics is an adult game played by some of the most ruthless players around. Just to survive is a challenge that many find too hard and unfair

Sam may find that kissing the rings of the Developers is not his cup of tea and that will handicap his efforts some. I wouldn't go sop far as to say it will disqualify him but it will be very difficult. After all this is Texas and Development is the only thing that out ranks Football in these parts.

Good Luck, Sam

Anonymous said...

To Anon "I know Sam and..."

Since when did deciding to keep your money rather than have government tax you and give it to a developer equal picking a fight?

Are we that much of a banana republic that choosing not

Anonymous said...

Developer - Schmeloper!
You know, I really don't care where my tax money goes but I sure as hell do care about where if comes from; my pocket!